Teffle
30 Sep 2010
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
Love / Unmarried couples in Poland = pathology [310]
What??
Once upon a time, yes, but please don't tell me this is still the case - is it?
It is, when you are getting married in the Catholic Church.
What??
Once upon a time, yes, but please don't tell me this is still the case - is it?
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
Life / Bugs in Polish houses and apartments [78]
Sounds like they are just young regular black beetles to me. They like damp.
In winter time there are some small very small black beetles ..??
O also have them but have no idea who the hell they are. They live inder my carpet but don't see them often
O also have them but have no idea who the hell they are. They live inder my carpet but don't see them often
Sounds like they are just young regular black beetles to me. They like damp.
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
What do you mean?
Polish sidewalks
They could be dangerous at times and one needs to walk with their head down, since it is the wisest thing to do.
They could be dangerous at times and one needs to walk with their head down, since it is the wisest thing to do.
What do you mean?
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
Life / Bugs in Polish houses and apartments [78]
That looks like a silverfish to me - harmless and usually live in damp dark areas: under baths, in unlit fireplaces etc.
That looks like a silverfish to me - harmless and usually live in damp dark areas: under baths, in unlit fireplaces etc.
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / More "exotic" verb+noun collocations for advanced student of English? [8]
I'm finding it difficult to get hold of extensive examples or lists.
I'm talking about things like to cast aspersions, to undergo treatment, to undertake a task.
Anyone any pointers?
Also, if anyone has any ideas on other lesson agendas for an advanced student I would appreciate it. Her vocab is good, she has a solid understanding of tenses and her general grammar is good (syntax etc).
Phrasal verbs are always worth revising and I guess she can't have too much vocabulary...
What about English words that there are no direct Polish equivalents for?
There must be a few - e.g. shrug is one as far as I know.
Any more?
I'm finding it difficult to get hold of extensive examples or lists.
I'm talking about things like to cast aspersions, to undergo treatment, to undertake a task.
Anyone any pointers?
Also, if anyone has any ideas on other lesson agendas for an advanced student I would appreciate it. Her vocab is good, she has a solid understanding of tenses and her general grammar is good (syntax etc).
Phrasal verbs are always worth revising and I guess she can't have too much vocabulary...
What about English words that there are no direct Polish equivalents for?
There must be a few - e.g. shrug is one as far as I know.
Any more?
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Avalon method course vs Conversation with a native speaker to learn English? [37]
Cork, yes, it's difficult - surprised at Monaghan though. If you find Monaghan unintelligible maybe you should start with Donegal - like Monaghan on valium ; )
Yes, fair enough.
Although the ones that are in Ireland, in my experience anyway, all sound the same whether they are from Kilkenny, Cork or Sligo. There are generic Irish elements to their accent but nobody else speaks like this. I would know a pikey accent within about 2 or 3 words. They even have their own language, Shelta, but it's very primitive.
Actually the term pikey isn't used in Ireland really - knacker is the main derogatory term. Of course they prefer travellers (but call themselves Pavee)
I find the Cork accent quite hard to understand. Monaghan has a unique accent too. Depends how much slang they use.
Cork, yes, it's difficult - surprised at Monaghan though. If you find Monaghan unintelligible maybe you should start with Donegal - like Monaghan on valium ; )
With reference to Pikeys, not all pikeys are from Ireland. Which is my point.
Yes, fair enough.
Although the ones that are in Ireland, in my experience anyway, all sound the same whether they are from Kilkenny, Cork or Sligo. There are generic Irish elements to their accent but nobody else speaks like this. I would know a pikey accent within about 2 or 3 words. They even have their own language, Shelta, but it's very primitive.
Actually the term pikey isn't used in Ireland really - knacker is the main derogatory term. Of course they prefer travellers (but call themselves Pavee)
Teffle
30 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Yes you can say this.
How much would generally refer to sugar intake generally - e.g. how much sugar do you take on a weekly basis?
You can say Danes or The Danes. The would often be used by non-Danes though and Danes by Danish people themselves. The Danes sounds a little more removed.
Because you are still watching - just about - the credits are still rolling and usually there is still action in the background.
In a word, no.
So how do you ask that question? (I know it should be much instead of many and sugar not sugars but is it the way you ask ile ci posłodzić?)
How many lumps of sugar?
And how do you answer? Two spoons, please?
How many lumps of sugar?
And how do you answer? Two spoons, please?
Yes you can say this.
How much would generally refer to sugar intake generally - e.g. how much sugar do you take on a weekly basis?
Or does one say: Danes prefer Carlsberg to Budweiser?
You can say Danes or The Danes. The would often be used by non-Danes though and Danes by Danish people themselves. The Danes sounds a little more removed.
According to your logic: why not you have watched or seen if the movie is ending and not going to last anymore?
Because you are still watching - just about - the credits are still rolling and usually there is still action in the background.
How about he had had too much drink before he finally has died? Is that correct? I mean can I use present perf with past perf?
In a word, no.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Avalon method course vs Conversation with a native speaker to learn English? [37]
Of course there is.
Not one that I've ever heard in my life. Sure, his voice has been influenced by Irish but his accent doesn't exist independently of...well...pikeys.
What's a "deep" Irish accent anyway ?! LOL
"Well for a start officer, the man spoke with a deep English accent"
"...a what?? "
There is no such thing as a Pikey accent:/
Of course there is.
I would say that was more of a deep Irish accent.
Not one that I've ever heard in my life. Sure, his voice has been influenced by Irish but his accent doesn't exist independently of...well...pikeys.
What's a "deep" Irish accent anyway ?! LOL
"Well for a start officer, the man spoke with a deep English accent"
"...a what?? "
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
You don't want to qualify that no?
B1tch is only offensive in a certain context. On its own it is not a rude word.
Surely you are not disputing this?!
Oh yes it is.
You don't want to qualify that no?
B1tch is only offensive in a certain context. On its own it is not a rude word.
Surely you are not disputing this?!
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Ah but the English say "Do you have sugar?" which I always find strange. To me this would only ever mean do you have any in your possession/in stock etc rather than enquiring about your preference for sweetening your hot beverage.
In Ireland we take sugar.
Dunno about the Scots - think they might be "takers" too?
Ah but the English say "Do you have sugar?" which I always find strange. To me this would only ever mean do you have any in your possession/in stock etc rather than enquiring about your preference for sweetening your hot beverage.
In Ireland we take sugar.
Dunno about the Scots - think they might be "takers" too?
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Definitely sold/advertised as Budwesier. It's brewed here under licence so maybe that makes a difference?
Yes, it is bad. Just so happens that Bud & Guinness were the first two brands I thought of.
That's marketing for ya I suppose ; )
Definitely sold/advertised as Budwesier. It's brewed here under licence so maybe that makes a difference?
Yes, it is bad. Just so happens that Bud & Guinness were the first two brands I thought of.
That's marketing for ya I suppose ; )
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
By the way, this word, b1tch, is not a rude word in English - at least not in modern times.
It is only insulting in certain contexts, trading insults etc. The literal meaning is a female dog - a lot of people don't realise that. I think some people are under the impression that it is the equivalent of "wh0re" or something but it isn't.
It is common and the usual usage. You can say take as well.
hehe the most frequent misspronounce is about the word beach... and the other one ;)
By the way, this word, b1tch, is not a rude word in English - at least not in modern times.
It is only insulting in certain contexts, trading insults etc. The literal meaning is a female dog - a lot of people don't realise that. I think some people are under the impression that it is the equivalent of "wh0re" or something but it isn't.
I heard it is "to do drugs" but never heard or seen this expression in use.
It is common and the usual usage. You can say take as well.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Ha ha - the answer. The reasoning being that it is assumed there is only one like the sun, the sky etc
An exception being maybe if there were already other answers proposed.....oh God....
I had intended not getting into the old a/the thing simply because it is so widespread and it's not that easy to give comprehensive advice due to the amount of different usage/exceptions.
I think this thread so far has covered the bulk of it though. For any perfectionists or masochists I'd recommend "A Practical English Grammar" by Thomson & Martinet. It provides very clear, sensible and detailed info on all aspects of grammar usage including many pages on a/the.
Ha ha - which once again brings us back to:
Another common consequence of article paranoia is maybe overdoing it too e.g. "I was talking to the Wiktor the other day" etc
I wouldn't worry too much about it though - unless you really want to get it right.
You will always be understood perfectly and it is rare that incorrect usage will lead to ambiguity. Plus, you can take comfort in the fact that the most common mistakes made by native speakers, e.g. I seen, I done, there is 5 of them... are almost never made by Poles!
And these are really pretty common mistakes with native English speakers!
EDIT:
Actually, although it doesn't cover everything, this is quite a good summary:
[b]Using Articles
Summary: This handout discusses the differences between indefinite articles (a/an) and definite articles (the).
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/540/01
Ha ha - the answer. The reasoning being that it is assumed there is only one like the sun, the sky etc
An exception being maybe if there were already other answers proposed.....oh God....
I had intended not getting into the old a/the thing simply because it is so widespread and it's not that easy to give comprehensive advice due to the amount of different usage/exceptions.
I think this thread so far has covered the bulk of it though. For any perfectionists or masochists I'd recommend "A Practical English Grammar" by Thomson & Martinet. It provides very clear, sensible and detailed info on all aspects of grammar usage including many pages on a/the.
Dogs in Thailand can be friendly sometimes, so can dogs in China, but the dogs in Thailand are more aggressive than the dogs in China ;) :P :P
Ha ha - which once again brings us back to:
zetigrek:
- when I've already mentioned the thing I'm talking about (There is a chair in my room. The chair is broken)
- when I've already mentioned the thing I'm talking about (There is a chair in my room. The chair is broken)
Another common consequence of article paranoia is maybe overdoing it too e.g. "I was talking to the Wiktor the other day" etc
I wouldn't worry too much about it though - unless you really want to get it right.
You will always be understood perfectly and it is rare that incorrect usage will lead to ambiguity. Plus, you can take comfort in the fact that the most common mistakes made by native speakers, e.g. I seen, I done, there is 5 of them... are almost never made by Poles!
And these are really pretty common mistakes with native English speakers!
EDIT:
Actually, although it doesn't cover everything, this is quite a good summary:
[b]Using Articles
Summary: This handout discusses the differences between indefinite articles (a/an) and definite articles (the).
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/540/01
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Yeah I've just realised that - quoted the wrong bit - sorry : /
Yeah I've just realised that - quoted the wrong bit - sorry : /
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Yeah, forgot about that one - however you could simply say "dogs in Thailand..." it wouldn't exactly be wrong would it? maybe it is technically - I'm not sure.
The dogs in Thailand are strays (specific)
Yeah, forgot about that one - however you could simply say "dogs in Thailand..." it wouldn't exactly be wrong would it? maybe it is technically - I'm not sure.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
Your usage above is correct and aside from the examples you mention, the basic rule which works about 90% of the time is:
Unless it is a plural, if you don't have a or the in front of a noun you are probably making a mistake.
This can be tricky as the object can change from a to the very quickly.
E.g. You are in a bar talking to the barman:
"Hi, can I have a pint of Guinness and a bottle of Budweiser"
"Would you like a glass with the Budweiser?"
"Yes please"
"OK, €135.20 please" (if it's in Ireland)
(Change arrives but no glass)
"Where's the glass?"
"Oh sorry, here you are - and I'll bring the pint down to you"
Yeah, that too - but the example I gave is much worse - believe me ; )
Are there any other rules?
Your usage above is correct and aside from the examples you mention, the basic rule which works about 90% of the time is:
Unless it is a plural, if you don't have a or the in front of a noun you are probably making a mistake.
- when the things is known for adversants (The car of my dad you drove lasr summer, has been stolen recently. I've already told you about the divorce.)
This can be tricky as the object can change from a to the very quickly.
E.g. You are in a bar talking to the barman:
"Hi, can I have a pint of Guinness and a bottle of Budweiser"
"Would you like a glass with the Budweiser?"
"Yes please"
"OK, €135.20 please" (if it's in Ireland)
(Change arrives but no glass)
"Where's the glass?"
"Oh sorry, here you are - and I'll bring the pint down to you"
hehe the most frequent misspronounce is about the word beach... and the other one ;)
Yeah, that too - but the example I gave is much worse - believe me ; )
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
UK, Ireland / Common pitfalls for Poles learning English [187]
A few things I have noticed which might help - I've concentrated on some of the maybe less obvious:
Firstly, the word " count " - and all other words that contain this.
Be very careful how you pronounce this. The middle vowel sound, expressed as a Polish sound should be something like " ę " - I think that's the nearest - but most definitely not " u " which I have heard quite a lot. For those who don't know, it's the most vulgar word in the English language!
"Aye" which is confusingly pronounced as "I", is a colloquial version of "yes", most common in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. Funny example, A german girl I knew was asking someone if they knew the way to a certain tourist attraction. Aye came the reply. Looking confused and slightly annoyed she responded "Err..Yes - you!"
When queueing for service at counters it is common for staff to ask "Are you OK?" meaning really, "Can I help you?" The appropriate response is simply to ask for what you need, not to reply "No" or "I am not OK" - whilst logically correct, it sounds weird and rude.
Though, through, tough, thought - these all mean completely different things and are all pronounced completely differently. (Sorry!)
If I think of more I'll add them.
A few things I have noticed which might help - I've concentrated on some of the maybe less obvious:
Firstly, the word " count " - and all other words that contain this.
Be very careful how you pronounce this. The middle vowel sound, expressed as a Polish sound should be something like " ę " - I think that's the nearest - but most definitely not " u " which I have heard quite a lot. For those who don't know, it's the most vulgar word in the English language!
"Aye" which is confusingly pronounced as "I", is a colloquial version of "yes", most common in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. Funny example, A german girl I knew was asking someone if they knew the way to a certain tourist attraction. Aye came the reply. Looking confused and slightly annoyed she responded "Err..Yes - you!"
When queueing for service at counters it is common for staff to ask "Are you OK?" meaning really, "Can I help you?" The appropriate response is simply to ask for what you need, not to reply "No" or "I am not OK" - whilst logically correct, it sounds weird and rude.
Though, through, tough, thought - these all mean completely different things and are all pronounced completely differently. (Sorry!)
If I think of more I'll add them.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Life / Let`s compare prices of services and products in Poland [359]
The Whiskas, Barcardi and the tyre seem expensive to me - relative to the local economy -
as they would cost approx. the same in Ireland.
The other items, broadly speaking, at least 2 or 3 times cheaper in Poland.
But they should be more like 4 times cheaper to get value relative to wages shouldn't they? A crude calculation I know. In that respect the pork and sugar are good value - relatively speaking.
The Whiskas, Barcardi and the tyre seem expensive to me - relative to the local economy -
as they would cost approx. the same in Ireland.
The other items, broadly speaking, at least 2 or 3 times cheaper in Poland.
But they should be more like 4 times cheaper to get value relative to wages shouldn't they? A crude calculation I know. In that respect the pork and sugar are good value - relatively speaking.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Life / Let`s compare prices of services and products in Poland [359]
Oh yeah PP, well aware of that and have bought jeans in the states whenever I was there. Only problem for me though has been the cut/sizes - they're not the same in the US & the jeans never really fit me properly. I've heard others say the same. The Levis here tend to be made in Pakistan or Turkey as far as I remember.
Yes the Republic is more expensive than Northern Ireland, sure - but we are paid more in general, hence people can afford €4 a pint - or at least it is not so shocking.
Oh yeah PP, well aware of that and have bought jeans in the states whenever I was there. Only problem for me though has been the cut/sizes - they're not the same in the US & the jeans never really fit me properly. I've heard others say the same. The Levis here tend to be made in Pakistan or Turkey as far as I remember.
Yes the Republic is more expensive than Northern Ireland, sure - but we are paid more in general, hence people can afford €4 a pint - or at least it is not so shocking.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Life / Let`s compare prices of services and products in Poland [359]
@ PP52, It's not much cheaper in Ireland. Wrangler would be cheaper than Levis though - a pair of Levis here would be about 260 zł (€65). Wrangler maybe about 180 zł or less.
@ PP52, It's not much cheaper in Ireland. Wrangler would be cheaper than Levis though - a pair of Levis here would be about 260 zł (€65). Wrangler maybe about 180 zł or less.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Life / Let`s compare prices of services and products in Poland [359]
I don't understand - I never said it was.
It's just an example for comparison. But since you mention Fiat, the base model 500 is about €12,700 in Ireland for example.
What is very surprising though is that you say the other (euro) price I gave for the Ibiza was comparable to Poland. Ireland is well known for being expensive for cars - so that sounds pretty steep for Poland then.
But the Ibiza is still not the chepaest car available anywhere.
I don't understand - I never said it was.
It's just an example for comparison. But since you mention Fiat, the base model 500 is about €12,700 in Ireland for example.
What is very surprising though is that you say the other (euro) price I gave for the Ibiza was comparable to Poland. Ireland is well known for being expensive for cars - so that sounds pretty steep for Poland then.
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Life / Let`s compare prices of services and products in Poland [359]
That's it in a nutshell.
I was quite shocked at the price of "baby stuff" in Poland - prams, car seats etc. Pretty much the same (and occasionally more expensive) than in Ireland - which when on much less wages, is a lot of money to be spending. Clothes generally - about the same, a little cheaper maybe. But broadly speaking, most other commonplace low value consumer stuff - food, alcohol, CDs, quite a bit cheaper in Poland. Rent seems to be a bit expensive in Poland though.
A few to compare:
Rent in my town in Ireland (2 bed, 2 bath modern apt, fully furnished ): €5-650 pm
Seat Ibiza, new, base model: about €13,750
Bus ticket (private) 100 mile round trip: €10
Train ticket 100 mile round trip: €22
Pint in local pub (cheapest): €3.90
So what Poland doesn't produce is expensive.
That's it in a nutshell.
I was quite shocked at the price of "baby stuff" in Poland - prams, car seats etc. Pretty much the same (and occasionally more expensive) than in Ireland - which when on much less wages, is a lot of money to be spending. Clothes generally - about the same, a little cheaper maybe. But broadly speaking, most other commonplace low value consumer stuff - food, alcohol, CDs, quite a bit cheaper in Poland. Rent seems to be a bit expensive in Poland though.
A few to compare:
Rent in my town in Ireland (2 bed, 2 bath modern apt, fully furnished ): €5-650 pm
Seat Ibiza, new, base model: about €13,750
Bus ticket (private) 100 mile round trip: €10
Train ticket 100 mile round trip: €22
Pint in local pub (cheapest): €3.90
Teffle
29 Sep 2010
Love / Polish Girl Doesn't Want To Touch. [240]
Give us a clue - is the solution battery operated by any chance?
Give us a clue - is the solution battery operated by any chance?
Teffle
28 Sep 2010
Food / Help me like Polish food (recommendations) [48]
So what indeed - what's your point?
You said:
...and I advised you that I don't live there - that's all. I can't cook anything "in Poland" if I'm not there?!
I suppose I "want" to like Polish food more because I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and I'm thinking I should have more of it or some of the less well known stuff before I make my mind up.
So, no woman involved, no ; )
I don't like Turkish food, I do not live in Turkey, so what?
So what indeed - what's your point?
You said:
...cook in Poland your Irish food.
...and I advised you that I don't live there - that's all. I can't cook anything "in Poland" if I'm not there?!
I suppose I "want" to like Polish food more because I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and I'm thinking I should have more of it or some of the less well known stuff before I make my mind up.
So, no woman involved, no ; )
Teffle
28 Sep 2010
Food / Help me like Polish food (recommendations) [48]
Thanks all for the posts.
Yeah, I've heard that.
Yeah, what we would normally call broth. It's OK, but for me, too often Polish soup tastes a bit bland and only of it's ingredients - if you know what I mean. I think meals should taste better than the sum of their parts, including soup.
Well as I said, I like some of it.
Yes, very well actually ;)
Ooooh defensive aren't we? ;)
Well I don't need lessons, don't live in Poland and don't eat "Irish food", because basically, there is no such thing.
Thanks all for the posts.
A Polish person will say English soups are like baby food as theyre think and blended,
Yeah, I've heard that.
...here they tend to be a watery consistency
Yeah, what we would normally call broth. It's OK, but for me, too often Polish soup tastes a bit bland and only of it's ingredients - if you know what I mean. I think meals should taste better than the sum of their parts, including soup.
You do not like our food?
Well as I said, I like some of it.
Can you cook?
Yes, very well actually ;)
...take training courses and cook in Poland your Irish food.
Ooooh defensive aren't we? ;)
Well I don't need lessons, don't live in Poland and don't eat "Irish food", because basically, there is no such thing.
Teffle
28 Sep 2010
Food / Help me like Polish food (recommendations) [48]
So are the Czech ones the same as the Polish ones then?
Divine, had some in Czech Republic last weekend...
So are the Czech ones the same as the Polish ones then?
Teffle
28 Sep 2010
Food / Help me like Polish food (recommendations) [48]
Sounds good in theory but I haven't been impressed with Polish soups. Not having access to those mushrooms probably doesn't help either!
Nope. Sounds like it might be a bit like boxty though.
Wild mushroom soup.
Sounds good in theory but I haven't been impressed with Polish soups. Not having access to those mushrooms probably doesn't help either!
have you ever tried potato pancakes Teffle
Nope. Sounds like it might be a bit like boxty though.
Teffle
28 Sep 2010
Classifieds / English cuisine week in Lidl shops in Poland [203]
...which of course is particularly rich coming from a citizen of the famously "cuisine free" Netherlands LOL!
English cuisine
Sorry, that made me laugh :)
Sorry, that made me laugh :)
...which of course is particularly rich coming from a citizen of the famously "cuisine free" Netherlands LOL!